Solidifier – a Sydney makerspace for hardware startups

Solidifier is billing itself as “Australia’s first makerspace for hardware startups”. They go on to say:

The World’s most innovative products are now being funded by the people who want them most through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. We’ve created a place for you to access the tools and knowledge you need to get your product to market.

They have a space in Darlinghurst and will be officially opening soon. The membership options on their website look extremely reasonable ranging from free to unlimited access for $470 per month. Membership gives you access to the space and tools including 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC and a range of other tools.

While some of the success of this venture will depend on the range of tools available, for startups the other feature on offer is the chance to plug into an expert community who have been through the whole process before. Solidifier is the brainchild of David Vandenburg who has a history with successful tech stratups and shared spaces. You also get access to meeting rooms, high-speed internet and the other usual features of a shared space.

According to their blog they’ve only just started renovating the space at Level 1, 66 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. They will be officially launching in a few weeks and plan to run their own Kickstarter campaign in the meantime. (Isn’t there something fascinatingly circular about the idea of a Kickstarter campaign to fund a space to bring Kickstarter campaigns to fruition?)

Anyway, you can sign-up for their newsletter to be kept informed of developments. For sign-up and further gory details see: www.solidifier.com.au.